Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/5/2009

Question
I left a head of raw cabbage in my hot car all day can I get sick fromm eating it if I cooked it

Answer
Hi Claudia,

Fortunatley, fresh raw cabbage does not have to be refrigerated after harvest to remain fresh.  While refrigeration will extend the shelf life of raw vegetables such as cabbage, it is not necessary to refrigerate for safety.  

With that said, keeping cabbage in a hot car will increase the maturation of the product so it is necessary that you cook and use the cabbage quickly.  Be sure to remove the outer leaves and was the cabbage well before preparing for cooking.  When you cook the cabbage, make sure the temperature of the dish reaches at least 135 degrees F (if it is just cabbage) or 165 degrees F if it also contains meat. Thoroughly cooking the cabbage will also ensure a safe product.

Carol